The 2022 Women Leaders in Consulting: Dorothea Grimes-Farrow

Dorothea Grimes-Farrow, is a Senior Consultant and hands-on leader with extensive experience in high-tech supply chain operations. Recognized for spearheading transformations that maximize the performance of new product introduction (NPI), product lifecycle management (PLM), and sales and operations planning (S&OP) in intensely competitive markets.

Dorothea galvanizes organizational silos into connected, integrated planning teams; create end-to-end close-loop transparency and predictive analytics; enables organizations to adopt new and agile business models for sustainable accelerated time-to-market and cash release; dismantles cost of poor quality (CoPQ) root causes. She works in a broad range of technology industries and previously for Cisco Systems, Avaya Communications, Nokia Bell Laboratories and AT&T. She earned STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) credentials via physics undergraduate degree, Science & Technology doctoral degree and continuous executive education and hands-on purpose-driven leadership.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Demonstrating personal character and qualities inside and outside of work that I hold dear and being recognized professionally.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

Knowledge is a renewable power source. Be inquisitive and ask questions early and often. You have the tools and technology to make "drinking from a firehose," an advantage.

What do you enjoy most about your consulting career?

Having the opportunity to create business value in a wide cross-section of industries, whose products and services are integral to how people experience life, learn, play and work.

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

While I have received great advice throughout my life, I wouldn't do it justice by pointing to any one single best advice. That is because in its way all advice I receive is meaningful and has a purpose.

What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting mean to you?

I am honored to receive this award and recognition. It is personally gratifying to be among the group of accomplished awardees. Receiving this recognition also highlights the Management Consultant firms that hire and promote women.